Leicester back into third in table after 2-1 win at Newcastle as James Maddison hits bullseye with screamer

LEICESTER hit the bullseye to keep the pressure on Liverpool and Manchester United with a textbook win over Newcastle.

Cracking strikes from James Maddison and Youri Tielemans kept up Brendan Rodgers’s side’s impressive away record, which has seen them collect 22 points out of a maximum of 27.

James Maddison hit the bullseye to set Leicester on their way to victory at NewcastleHe broke the deadlock ten minutes after half-time with a thunderous strike

The win keeps Leicester in touch with the top two while Andy Carroll’s first goal for Newcastle in ten years was little consolation for Steve Bruce, whose team remain in 15th.

The Foxes made a good start and Jamie Vardy was only a whisker away from giving them a 12th-minute lead when he slotted home from a tight angle after racing on to Maddison’s pass.

But the ex-England forward’s effort was chalked off for offside as Newcastle were given an early warning.

And Bruce’s side did pay attention as they shored up their defence – just as they had done against Liverpool in their 0-0 draw four days ago.

Joelinton then had the home outfit’s first effort on target but his header from Federico Fernandez’s cross was well saved by Kasper Schmeichel.

And at the other end, Wesley Fofana headed over from Maddison’s delivery while Vardy sliced his shot wide.

But Leicester broke the deadlock on 55 minutes when Harvey Barnes’ surging run bypassed Newcastle’s midfield.

Barnes picked out Vardy, who in turn cut the ball back to Maddison who slammed home emphatically.

He celebrated by pretending to step up to the oche and throw a dart, just hours before the PDC final at Ally Pally.

Tielemans doubled their lead on 72 minutes when he was picked out by Marc Albrighton and curled home from just outside the box.

Vardy came close to adding a third when he fired against the crossbar having strayed just offside.

But second-half sub Carroll reduced the deficit when he thumped home for Newcastle for the first time since Boxing Day in 2010.

His goal eight minutes from time set up a nervy final few minutes for Leicester, who themselves had a chance late on when Barnes shot wide.

Youri Tielemans curled home impressively to double the Foxes’ advantage

Wesley Fofana congratulates his team-mate on his fourth Premier League goal of the season

Andy Carroll pulled one back for the home side with eight minutes to make it a nervy end

It was his first goal for Newcastle in ten years